Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Maddy summaryHF 1114 appropriates $50 million from the general fund for the GroundBreak Capital Access and Innovation Fund, managed by the Minneapolis Foundation. It establishes three programs: forgivable startup business loans (up to $50,000) for new Minnesota businesses lacking traditional financing, commercial real estate equity enhancements (up to $250,000) for developments under $10 million, and forgivable down payment assistance loans (up to $25,000) for first-time homebuyers in the seven-county metro area meeting income limits. Loans become fully forgiven after 3 years for businesses (with preference for those hiring employees) and 5 years for homeowners, subject to specific conditions like using funds for approved purposes. The bill directly affects Minnesota-based startups, small commercial developers, and low-income homebuyers, particularly targeting underserved communities through eligibility criteria. Funds are allocated over fiscal years 2026-2029 with annual amounts specified.

Maddy summaryHF 2449 prohibits the sale or transfer of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and Uzis, as well as firearms with certain features (e.g., folding stocks, pistol grips). The bill authorizes a state-funded buyback program for these weapons and appropriates money for implementation. It directly affects owners of the defined firearms, requiring them to stop selling or transferring these weapons and offering a process to return them for compensation. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to establish these prohibitions and buyback mechanisms, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1335 authorizes Minnesota to issue electronic driver's licenses that comply with national standards (AAMVA and ISO/IEC 18013-5). It affects Minnesota drivers who choose to use electronic credentials and requires the Department of Public Safety (DVS) to develop the system with specific privacy safeguards. Key provisions include mandating secure verification by businesses or law enforcement, prohibiting tracking without consent, and requiring physical licenses to be carried while driving. The bill also allows DVS to charge a separate fee for electronic licenses and sets rules for data handling under existing privacy laws. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 255 establishes Minnesota's Patient-Centered Care program to improve health outcomes and lower costs for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients. The bill shifts payments directly from the state to individual health care providers (not managed care networks) for services, drugs, and vaccines, while ending contracts with existing managed care plans. It also authorizes monthly care coordination fees for primary care providers and community health workers, with higher rates for clinics serving populations facing health disparities. Additionally, the bill funds community outreach through grants to hire staff who connect homeless, mentally ill, or underserved patients to care and help them enroll in health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3317 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Minnesota legislature condemning federal executive orders that target immigrants. It does not create new laws but expresses the state's opposition to policies it views as inhumane, urging the president to stop such actions and calling on Minnesota's congressional delegation to oppose these policies. The resolution also recommends federal passage of the Neighbors Not Enemies Act to repeal an outdated law and affirms that all people in Minnesota, regardless of immigration status, deserve due process under U.S. and state constitutions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials as a formal statement of the legislature's position.

Maddy summaryHF 3344 creates a new "LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights" in Minnesota. It directly affects residents of long-term care facilities, home care clients, and home and community-based services recipients who are LGBTQIA2S+ or living with HIV. Key provisions require facilities to provide staff training in LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency, prohibit specific discriminatory acts (like forcing clothing against gender identity or refusing chosen names/pronouns), mandate clear notices of residents' rights, and allow civil lawsuits if rights are violated. The bill appropriates funds to support these changes, aiming to prevent discrimination in care settings.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (H.R. No. 5) passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives, not a binding law. It condemns federal executive orders targeting immigrants and expresses support for immigrant communities in Minnesota. The resolution urges federal lawmakers to oppose current immigration policies, calls for comprehensive reform including a pathway to citizenship, and specifically references the Neighbors Not Enemies Act (which would repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798). It directs Minnesota's congressional delegation to actively oppose these policies and sends copies to the President and federal legislators. The resolution has no legal effect but formally states the House's position.

Maddy summaryHF 1660 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a statewide assessment of out-of-school youth programs for children and teens under 21. The commissioner must gather data on current programs, funding, and populations served, while engaging youth, families, and community providers to identify barriers and gaps. By February 2026, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees, including proposals to improve access and quality. The bill appropriates a one-time $ amount in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this assessment and reporting process.

Maddy summaryHF 3294 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives. It urges the President and Congress to fully fund Medicaid and oppose federal funding cuts, directly affecting Minnesota's 1.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries - including children (41% covered), seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color (covering 80-90% of Black and American Indian births). The resolution has no new funding mechanisms or state policy changes; it solely requests federal action. It does not impose new requirements or alter existing Medicaid programs.